How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems

If your vehicle starts and runs but the ignition switch won't turn on the spark plugs, it could be a myriad of reasons for this. Some are easy and inexpensive to repair, while others require special equipment and the assistance of a mechanic.

Lubricate the key socket first. You can use either graphite powder, or a silicon aerosol spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of obstructions and loose springs.

Battery

If your car doesn't start it could be because the battery is dead. This is a common issue which can be resolved by getting a jump or charging the battery. If this doesn't solve the issue the ignition switch could be bad. This component supplies battery power to the other electrical components, such as the starter motor and ignition coil. If the ignition switch is not working properly, it is not able to allow current be passed through, and the engine will not begin.

The battery is the main source of the electrical energy you use in your vehicle. The battery is a black, slender box that has positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the top. The terminals can get corroded, preventing the battery from providing electricity to the rest of the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery you can employ a wire bristle remove any corrosion. You can also clean the terminals using baking soda as a solution.

It's also possible that your car's battery has just reached the end of its lifespan and is in need of replacement. A new battery will supply the correct voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs, which is required to ensure that your engine is running properly.

The ignition coil is responsible for converting low voltage from the battery into high voltage that can ignite the spark plugs in your car to start the engine. If your ignition coil is not working properly it won't be able to ignite the plugs. Your engine won't start. You can test the ignition coil by looking for a spark inside the engine or turning the key to see whether the engine spins.

It is possible to replace the starter motor as well. If you hear a grinding sound as you turn on your ignition it is a sign that the starter bearings are worn out. It is a costly repair so it is best to replace your starter motor immediately if you detect signs of wear. Changing the starter motor is an easy task that requires replacing the bolts and a few components.

Alternator

The alternator is an instrument that charges your battery when your engine is running. It also is the power source for your car ignition switch replacement's electrical components. Test the battery first if you suspect your alternator is malfunctioning. This will allow you to determine if your alternator is causing your battery to drain or your battery is simply old and should be replaced.

The alternator in your car also provides power for the dash lights, windshield wipers, electric steering, power windows, heated seats and your radio even when the vehicle is idle. You can use a voltmeter test your battery and alternator for the proper voltage levels. If your battery is less than 6 volts, it must be replaced or charged immediately. Batteries that are dead or not charged will also stop the starter from turning over the engine, and will require additional jumper cables in order to start your vehicle.

Before you begin dismantling the alternator, ensure the ignition is off and that all doors are locked. Unplug the negative cable and store it in a safe place. Wear safety gear. Consult a vehicle's specific repair manual for instructions on how to gain access to the alternator and any other parts you need to take off.

If your car has a warning light wire, you can disconnect it from the back of the generator after taking off the belt. This will usually connect directly to an alternator's terminal that's labeled as WL or IND. Some vehicles, however, have a separate relay for this purpose. If your warning light doesn't appear, you must suspect a different problem.

The alternator is a vital component of your vehicle, and it is important to check it frequently for signs of trouble. While you could perform some of the checks by yourself, you should bring your vehicle to Les Schwab for a complimentary inspection and expert advice. Our highly trained technicians can test your battery, battery posts (the terminals marked + and -) for corrosion relays, fuses, voltage output as well as cold cranking amps and more to determine what the problem is.

Starter Motor

The starter motor is an essential element of the ignition system. It is responsible for turning over the engine so that it can suck into air, which is necessary to ignite the fuel. It is common for the starter motor to be at fault when your car isn't turning over. There are a variety of troubleshooting techniques that can aid in diagnosing and fixing the issue.

When you turn on your vehicle's ignition key, a switch within the starter engages a pinion-gear that fits into grooves of the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel that initiates the engine. When you release the key the pinion gear retracts, and disconnects from the flywheel to prevent damage.

There are many things that could be wrong with the starter motor, for example, an electrical issue in the internal windings, a mechanical problem (such as teeth no longer meshing on the flywheel or pinion gear) or a dead battery. A faulty starter motor can sound like a dead phone battery. It can make a clicking sound as it tries but cannot turn the engine.

If the starter motor doesn't work, one of the first things a mechanic will examine is the condition of charge on the battery and its terminals. If the battery has corrosion or is depleted it needs to be recharged or replaced.

Depending on the extent of the problem, the mechanic may also test the solenoid on the starter using a multimeter. The solenoid is a large magnetic switch that delivers an electric current from the battery cables that are long and thick to the starter. The switch connects the thick battery cable to the wires inside the starter, which activate the electric motor, plus it pushes a rod that actuates an engaging fork, which is then pushed by the pinion gear to automatically engage with the flywheel.

Another option is to bypass the ignition switch using the jumper wire. This is a temporary option but it shouldn't be recommended unless you are able to do it right. You'll need to route the jumper wire to battery terminals, and ensure that the switch is in the "Start" position.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is where you insert your car keys. This switch is used by the system to start the engine and to send electrical current to the starter. However it isn't immune to wear like other parts of the car. The switch may also get stuck in its slot or become locked. You should check for problems regularly to identify the problem before the car ignition locked stops working.

It is possible that your key was locked if your key is difficult to turn or becomes stuck in the ignition. This is a problem that is common in vehicles due to a lack oil lubrication. You can apply a graphite- or silicone-based oil to lubricate your release pin. Spray some lubricant into the ignition, then move the key. If it's still stuck make use of a piler or a hacksaw blade to assist in moving it.

An ignition problem could cause a host of other issues too. The anti-theft system might stop working or the starter motor may not start when you plug in the key. This can also cause the auxiliary functions to stop working or stop functioning.

A damaged ignition switch could also leave you with lots of wear and tear on other components. For instance, if have a heavy keychain, or several items on your keychain it can strain the ignition switch when you plug it in and accelerate the wear and tear on its internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations can also impact the materials and lubricants in the ignition switch.

It is important to test the new ignition switch prior to assembling the other parts and the steering column. Make sure the replacement van ignition repair switch works and that your engine is running smoothly. It is also important to confirm that the new van ignition repair switch is compatible with your vehicle's make and model. If you're not confident in your ability to install an ignition and key replacement switch that is new it could be worth hiring a dealership service shop to install it for you. They can also test and connect any other components or replace them.